The Top Tornado Shelter Companies of 2024

If you’re looking for a tornado shelter company in your area, it can be hard to know who to call. After all, you have choices. Should you go with a regional supplier or one with a more national presence? You can always roll the dice and Google this information, but there is probably no comprehensive, or even accurate, assessment of the companies that sell such an important and life-saving product. 

At Survive-A-Storm, we’re dedicated to building tornado shelters designed to withstand the most severe tornadoes unleashed by Mother Nature. Our storm shelters are approved by the National Storm Shelter Association and follow FEMA 320 guidelines, as well as the standards set in ICC 500. Our storm shelters are designed by licensed professional engineers and can withstand the 250 MPH+ winds of an EF5 tornado. We’ve earned our spot as the leading producer of tornado shelters nationwide. 

In this post, we’re going to do something that many companies would see as unthinkable, or at least extremely outside of the “norm,” we’re going to talk about the other companies out there building shelters and keeping people safe. We’ll provide a list here of the ones that we consider to be on a level playing field. (They follow the same stringent guidelines as Survive-A-Storm and the National Storm Shelter Association.) You can use this to vet your prospects when shopping for tornado shelters. Of course, you should always ask pointed questions of any storm shelter manufacturer you talk to to ensure they have the answers to all your critical questions and the qualifications to boot. 

Some companies specialize in residential tornado shelters, and some specialize in commercial tornado shelters. Some will tell you that concrete is the only way to go, while others will only talk about underground shelters. And, there are some that only sell in specific regions. (At Survive-A-Storm, we ship and install our commercial shelters to all 50 US states; our residential delivery and installation area is constantly growing and, at the time of this writing, includes 15 states.)  

If you’re unsure what kind of tornado shelter you want or need, our expert staff can discuss your needs and home surroundings to help you narrow down your tornado shelter options. We can even do a virtual site visit with photos and videos to make the decision-making process easier. 

But for now, here are some of the top tornado shelter companies, the way we see it, and in no particular order: 

I. Residential Tornado Shelters:

F5 Storm Shelters

F5 Storm Shelters takes its name after the Fujita Scale, which is now actually the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with F5 (or EF5) being the worst in terms of damages it can cause. The company is located in Missouri and sells its shelters in a regional area from offices in Springfield and Nixa, Missouri. In addition to tornado shelters, the company touts its storage system and safes.

F5 Storm Shelter Products: Welded Safe Rooms, Garage Floor Flush Mounts, Outdoor Flush Mounts, Bolt Together Safe Rooms, Storm Doors

Valley Storm Shelters

Valley Storm Shelters is an established tornado shelter provider in its region. The company offers a variety of steel safe rooms and tornado shelters. It is located in Huntsville, Alabama, and has a multi-state delivery and installation area and a large self-installation area. The company is also known for its proprietary “Corelock Anchoring System.” 

Valley Storm Shelter Products: Above-ground Storm Shelters, Underground Garage Shelters, Panic Rooms, Safe Rooms, Safe Room Doors, Underground Bunkers.

TornadoShelter.com 

TornadoShelter.com is also located in Springfield, Missouri, and touts an integrated shelving system among the benefits of its tornado shelters. It offers customization options and, within a limited radius, free delivery and installation. 

TornadoShelter.com Products: Above Ground Storm Shelters, Bolt Together Storm Shelters, Underground Storm Shelters, Round Storm Shelters, Garage Corner Storm Shelters, DIY Storm Shelters, Custom Storm Shelters

II. Commercial Tornado Shelters:

B’Safe Shelters

B’Safe Shelters is known for its large-capacity industrial and commercial tornado shelters, which come in various sizes and occupancy capacities for different scenarios and uses. The company manufactures its steel shelters in Missouri and touts a national delivery area. 

B’Safe Shelters Products: The Big Boy, The Basic Robo

Safe-T-Shelters

Based in Hartselle, Alabama, this tornado shelter provider is a family-owned business with more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing and installing storm shelters. They offer a range of above-ground shelters designed to provide safety and protection during severe weather events like tornadoes.

Safe-T-Shelter Products: Indoor Safe Rooms, Outdoor Safe Rooms, Outdoor Storm Shelters, Safe-T-Shed

Making a Choice for Your Tornado Shelter Needs

When selecting a tornado shelter, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your home or business. While all the tornado shelter suppliers we've discussed offer robust construction and compliance with safety standards, it's important to also think about long-term maintenance of a tornado shelter and compatibility with your property. As an example, proprietary systems, while innovative, may have limitations in terms of widespread service availability and adaptability, as well as a premium price.

As you weigh your options, consider not just the shelter type, capacity, or additional features but also the practical aspects of installation, maintenance, and the future availability of support. Making educated decisions is crucial when it comes to life-saving protection, and this includes considering all aspects of your shelter choice.

Key Considerations when choosing a tornado shelter:

Safety Compliance: Ensure the shelter meets FEMA and ICC-500 standards for wind resistance and structural integrity and that the supplier is a producer member of the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA).

Capacity and Size: Consider the number of people the shelter needs to accommodate and the space available for installation.

Location and Installation: Check the availability of installation services in your area and any specific site requirements for the shelter.

Additional Features: Look for features that enhance the shelter's usability and comfort, such as climate control, storage options, and ease of access.

Final Thoughts about Storm Shelter Protection

Making an educated decision on a tornado shelter is critical for ensuring safety during severe weather. We recommend reaching out to multiple suppliers for more detailed information and consulting with experts to find a solution that best fits your needs. Each company brings unique strengths and specialized features and caters to different needs and preferences. We would be honored if you would consider Survive-A-Storm in your search for tornado protection. 

Stay Safe from Tornadoes

Tornado shelters are an investment in safety and peace of mind. By considering your options carefully and choosing a reputable provider, you can ensure that you're well-prepared for whatever weather challenges may come your way.